Osman Taner Küçükgenç is a graphic designer from Istanbul, Turkey. He has been into graphic design for 18 years and has expanded his knowledge on other areas such as illustration, t-shirt design, etching, photography and video art. In this feature, you will be witnessing how phenomenal his works are. Enjoy!

Tell us about your graphic design career. How and when did you choose to be in graphic design? And what are the things you've done that led to where you are today?

The fact is, I've loved painting since I was seven or eight as far as I can remember. That has brought me to the faculty of fine arts. Painting and graphic design were among my choices. Either would have been fine; however, I decided to choose graphic arts due to my way of expression. Throughout the faculty years, grand masters of art history provided guidance. Surrealism caught my attention. The broad range of graphic arts played a role in my preference as it encompasses my areas of interest. Illustration, photography, typography etc...I've carried out freelance work in various industries. I've worked at advertising agencies. I've been working for nearly 18 years. Currently, I'm working full-time at a textile company. I carry on with my personal work in my spare time. I love my profession....In the world, we are surrounded by so many inspiring things that stir up emotions within and encourage us to examine life...I believe this stimulates the imagination in sentimental people who rely on their emotions in their work, like us. Reading about the writings, and understanding and deciphering life helps develop an intellectual style on life...

Most of your works have a dark atmosphere. They give me goosebumps, in a good way. What's with this type of atmosphere that makes you motivated in completing your works?

My imagination has always been stretched with the subliminal elements in surrealism and with everything that has existed from the past to today and that will exist tomorrow; from dreamy atmospheres to all scary writings, to mythology, to science-fiction, and to the war between the good and the bad.

As a result of a synthesis of all these elements, my reactions and style have given rise to a mostly dark atmosphere.

Whether humanistic or not, good or bad, if humans lie behind all of the factors, they will have to face their kindness or wickedness, as well as their fears.

These creatures and images that burst out from the dark corridors of the subconscious to make their way to the sunlight in fact attempt to tell us something with their rebellious attitude. It may be subtle or open, or just plainly clear right in front of your eyes. You will see it if you slow down...

You feature a lot of animals in your artworks. What do these animals contribute in your artworks? Why?

I love animals; their pureness, survival instincts and harmony with nature. Animals have been ascribed symbolic meanings throughout human history. Animals appear in my work, mostly due to their symbolic meanings.

Have you ever received a recognition of your works from graphic design organizations or other affiliated organizations? And is it important for you to get a recognition, personally and professionally?

I can't exactly say that I have. I mean, not officially. Nevertheless, it's nice to arouse interest from global sites like yours. I believe it is important professionally.

What are some favorite projects that you've completed and why?

Favorite personal works;

- SENSEI

Strength that reaches simplicity through knowledge, that is powerful, that does not need to prove itself, that lies beneath an obscure look, and that does not strive for dominance.

The Artwork chosen for the cover by Le Cool Magazine

- ELEMENTS

Classical element –

Many philosophies and worldviews have a set of classical elements believed to reflect the simplest essential parts and principles of which anything consists or upon which the constitution and fundamental powers of anything are based.
 Earth - Water - Air - Fire

.

- SEKI

-  Mutual Life  - Example of seki (mutual life). Neither Black nor White can play on the marked points without reducing their own liberties for those groups to one (self-atari).( Go Game )

Inspired from " Shibumi " - Hel's secret is his determination to reach that rare personal purity and state of perfection known as Shibumi. Originally published in 1979, Shibumi has made the greatest impact among Trevanian fans and remains today his most revered novel.

Your Lucid Dream 3 artwork really caught my attention. It is so creepy – just by looking at it. What is the meaning behind this artwork?

Composite creatures with human and animal elements are common in the mythology of many cultures. The snake has always been one of the most powerful and ambiguous symbols for mankind. That idea inspired me. This half snake creature represents the might, transformation, fertility, quest for immortality, death; divine and sinister sides, murderous and healing aspects, and the highest wisdom and deepest subconscious of the humankind who is the master of the world.

Aside from graphic design, what other related arts do you do?

My other areas of interest are: Photography, digital photography, Typography, short film-video art, etching and illustration. There seems to be no end to what can be done in the name of art. What is it that I can do? How much of it can I do? In which part am I? Does the material suffice in bringing out the imagination? Nature is perfect...I strive to achieve adequate simplicity. I am still searching...

What career would you be in today if you didn't pursue graphic design? Why?

I make a living from graphic design at the moment. There is a business side of the job. Aesthetic concerns are always there. Painting would most likely have been the second route. To be honest, I can't envision how I would make out in the art of painting. Criteria varies. Because in art, people are either lucky or unlucky depending on what part of the world they are in. There are so many talented people in the world. Today, talent is not enough to make a name. If you don't have the help of someone in higher places, personal efforts can only take us so far, not any further than that.

More about Osman Taner Küçükgenç

In the year 2001, Osman Taner Küçükgenç graduated from Marmara University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Graphic Department.You can find more of his artworks on his Behance profile or website.